Philetairos of Nicomedia

SaintPhiletairos of Nicomedia was a humble young man who lived during the late third century, becoming an ascetic in Midia. He is commemorated by the church on December 30.

Philetairos lived during the reign of Diocletian and was distinguished for his status and extreme beauty. He was young and the son of an eparch called Tatianos. Despite these gifts he was a humble man who did not become side-tracked by his position or his youth but focused on how to be a more God-pleasing man.

He was persecuted under Maximian but escaped to Nikaia where he also confessed his faith and was again arrested. Here, however, his words and his actions made an impression on his guards, and he brought many people to Christ. His faith brought for him release once again after which he traveled to Midia.

In Midia, he found a mount near the area of Sigrianis where he met a holy person called Euvioto. They spent the rest of their days living an ascetical hermit life and reposed in peace.